McInerney thrilled to make AFL debut
SHOWER screen installer, Christmas tree delivery guy and qualified accountant.
Oscar McInerney can now add another job description to his resume – AFL footballer.
The 23- year- old matureage recruit will make his senior debut for Brisbane when the Lions take on GWS in Sydney tomorrow.
In other team news from the Gabba, Brisbane will rest Luke Hodge and welcome back Daniel Rich from an ankle injury.
Originally from Montrose in Victoria, McInerney’s jour- ney to the top level has been less traditional than the likes of Hodge and Rich who were both star juniors and highly touted top- 10 draft picks.
After pursuing a number of different career paths, the 204cm ruckman, known as “The Big O”, decided to seriously focus on football.
He arrived at the Lions after being the 37th pick at the 2016 rookie draft after impressing for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL.
McInerney went on to be crowned the best- and- fairest player for the Lions reserves side that won the NEAFL premiership last year.
“Honestly, I love coming here every day,” he said.
“It’s phenomenal to call this my full- time job.
“I really enjoy working hard and couldn’t think of anything better than getting the opportunity to run alongside all the boys and play my role for the team.”
McInerney, the tallest player on Brisbane’s list, was named in the extended squad for last week’s QClash and Lions senior coach Chris Fagan said he thoroughly deserved his call- up.
“He always plays his role for the team and is highly admired by his teammates,” Fagan said.